Summer with the Carpenter

by Ellie Hall

♥A Christmas in July Romance♥She inherited a Bed & Breakfast. He’s the contractor hired to fix up the old building. They can’t stand each other, but they have to get married or lose the Inn.
Ruby Rossi found an unexpected friend in the late Sandy Leblanc, owner of the Sandy Shore Inn who left it to her after passing away. She’s determined to prove herself worthy of the legacy. However, she’s not too fond of the carpenter Sandy appointed in her will to do repairs. Trent Cabot was estranged from his grandmother and is shocked when he learns of her passing. Even more surprising is the fact that she left her inn to a stranger but stipulated he remodel the place. The new owner is as stubborn as she is pretty, but he’s not the kind to settle down. However, Sandy’s will also requires the two get married by Christmas in July, a major event in the small town, or the Inn will be sold and the money donated to a resort investment firm that threatens Blue Bay Beach. Will Ruby and Trent make the arranged marriage work and get married in time to save the Inn? This is book 5 in the Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance series. Each story stands alone but reading them in order provides a deeper, richer experience. It is a sweet, small town, “clean and wholesome” romance, is faith-friendly, and contains a happily ever after.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

139 pages, ebook

Published July 15, 2020

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

♥

The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

♥

Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

♥

Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

♥

Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

♥

The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

♥

The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

♥

Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

♥

On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Quite as Depicted, But Lovely Story

The author states in the book's intro that she sees this as a light and breezy beach-read romance. It didn't quite make the cut as that, to my mind anyway. It is a lovely romance, but I would not call it light, breezy, or simple because it focuses a lot on darker subjects like death and deep insecurities of both the hero and heroine. The title is a bit off, too. The book doesn't cover an entire summer, just the few weeks between the 4th of July and July 25th. Also, the hero, Trent, is no mere carpenter; he is, in fact, a big-wig multimillion-dollar contractor.

Aside from these quibbles and a few others that I’ll outline, I loved this story between two people whose mothers had both given them a lot of baggage around their worth, not just as romantic partners but as people. His mother abandoned him at an early age, making him feel like a worthless mistake unworthy of love. Ruby’s mother only appreciated superficial things like the narrow, socially sanctioned ideal of beauty, putting her shy daughter in beauty pageants and pushing her as a child model; when the heroine gained weight, her mother told her that no man would ever love her. So both come to the present moment with emotional insecurity. They're brought together for the funeral of the heroine's best friend and employer, Sandy, who happens to be the hero’s long-estranged grandmother. Grandma Sandy has one last trick up her sleeve that sets both Trent’s and Ruby's lives in a direction that neither could have seen.

The romance aspect is mostly sweet. The meet-cute is a little rough, as they often are, but soon after, they are appreciating aspects of each other that few ever have. There's certainly attraction on both sides, as well as a comfortable familiarity that surprises them both. Because of their baggage, they go back and forth a bit about how they feel, how the other feels, and what they should do; sometimes, I didn’t think what pulled them apart or what was said that made things go wrong was enough to cause the reactions that they did. Particularly in that plot point that every good romance needs, that “dark night of the soul” moment, the author dropped the ball in this regard. I didn't see how what was stated at that moment was so bad for either of them. It certainly wasn't strong enough to be what was supposed to break them apart forever. Aside from these moments that didn't make much sense to me, I actually enjoyed this sweet romance. I loved the running gag about the kettle corn bells/bulbs/bites and their ultimate resolution to the matter. The author even includes a recipe for kettle corn in the back of the book!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Ruby who moved to this small town five years ago. She ended up becoming Sandy’s assistant and best friend. She took care of Sandy over the last year of Sandy’s life when she was dying. That death hit Ruby extremely hard and didn’t know what she was going to do or go now that the Inn would probably be sold or given to an heir. At Sandy’s graveside, she notices a tall man with a beard that she did not know but will get to know soon enough.

Trent, that tall man, was actually Sandy’s grandson. He had not been home for many years and when he left it was not on the best of terms. He came back when he heard of her death. He was a major contractor who owned a million-dollar business. He was also an expert carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc. He was a man who dated off and on but never wanted a serious relationship. He noticed Ruby immediately. He had no idea that she was that close to his grandmother and something about her made him want to know her better.

Sandy had a way of reaching out from the grave. Her will made it clear that to save the Inn, that she gave to Ruby, that Trent would be the one to fix it up. They would have to overcome their dislike for each other and get married or they would both lose the inn. It was a very engaging story about how they interact and overcome their broken pasts. I loved the ending, there were quite a few unexpected twists and turns.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the first book I’ve read by Ellie Hall, but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved this sweet story about Ruby and Trent set in Blue Bay Beach. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the prior books in this series. Ruby meets Trent at Sandy’s funeral. Sandy was Ruby’s best friend and like a grandmother to her. She helped Sandy at the Sandy Shore Inn and now she doesn’t know what she’s going to do. When she learns Trent is Sandy’s grandson, she figures Sandy left the Inn to him. They’re both surprised when the lawyer informs them that Sandy left the Inn to Ruby and she wants Trent to make the long list of repairs, but that’s not all. No, she also wants them to marry or they will lose the Inn to Trent’s biggest rival. Please grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with this wonderful town and it’s residents, you won’t be disappointed. This book is appropriate for all ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding love from grief and a fairy grandmother giving a large push

Summer with the Carpenter is the fifth book in the Blue Bay Beach Romance series and is the story of Ruby and Trent. They meet when Sandy died, she was Ruby's mentor, friend and adopted grandmother and Trent's grandmother. They meet when Trent comes back to Sandy Shore for the funeral and reading of the will. Well the will has a major surprise in it both Ruby and Trent will have to follow in order to keep the Sandy Shores Inn running, but it has to be done quickly as there is a deadline. But as they embark on a journey together things are not all sweet and lovely as they both have issues from the way they grew up.
This is a charming and heartwarming story of two people who are both broken in ways that Sandy had decided they could fix with each other. I really loved this novella.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby's best friend - Trent's grandmother - leaves the inn to Ruby with two caveats: Trent has to do the needed repairs, and Trent and Ruby have to be married by July 25. Otherwise, the inn will go to his biggest competitor. As if this isn't enough stress, Ruby has to get Christmas in July planned. This is a wonderful summer romance. Trent and Ruby get off on the wrong foot in the beginning. It was fun to watch these two become friends, and then begin to embrace Sandy's wishes. The road has some bumps along the way, and family relationships can be complicated. The town is a welcoming place, full of interesting and friendly people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Hall writings are amazing and inspirational, Summer with the Carpenter is no different.

Trent and Ruby's story will take you through a range of emotions from grieving and pain to love and happiness. Both characters have their own past to overcome, but together they are much stronger.

Summer with the Carpenter is a story that will make you smile knowing that even when times look dark, there will always be a light at the end. This story will give you hope, show you love and find you happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aurélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent and Ruby did not plan to get married. Not to anyone specifically, but definitely not to each other. Well, that was before Sandy, Ruby’s best friend and Trent’s grandmother, died and put in her will that they should get married to each other at the end of the month. No need to mention that they are shocked and want to find a way out.
I enjoy the way the story is built and written. The characters are endearing, fighting their insecurities, and hoping against hope, still dreaming about a future they think they don’t deserve. This is a beautiful story about finding love during the least expected time in one’s life. I always enjoy one of Ellie Hall’s books ☺.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Blue Bay Beach Romance series and the first in this series that I have read. I want to read the rest of this series. Ruby Rossi inherited the Sandy Shore Inn when Sandy Leblanc passed away, but there is a condition Trent Cabot must remodel the place, he is Sandy's Grandson. They do not get along at first. Sandy’s will also requires the two get married by Christmas in July. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the setting of this book. The name of the town, the closeness of the community, and the way the people take care of one another gave me that warm fuzzy feeling. With the story beginning on the day of a funeral I was not sure where this was going, but it evolved into a fun and romantic story. I really enjoyed the way the two main characters dealt with each other. They each had some major insecurities, but it all worked out great! You even get a Christmas in July party!

( I was given a free copy of this book by the author. This review is all my own opinion. )

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy owns the Sandy Shore Inn and her best friend Ruby works along side of her even if Sandy is much older. Sandy passes away and Ruby thinks she have to move on as some of Sandy's family will take over the Inn but she gets a surprise when Sandy leaves the Inn to you with the stipulation that she and Trent (Sandy's grandson) renovate the Inn and within six months marry or the Inn goes to someone else. Ruby and Trent did not get off to a good start but soon realize that they will have to work together. This is a fun sweet romance with lovable characters.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kettle Corn Bulbs/Bells/Bits

Ruby is sad her best friend Sandy has passed away. On the day of her funeral she notices a tall man. Since the town is small and she thought she knew everyone.
At the gathering after the funeral she discovers that he is Sandy's grandson Trent. At the lawyers office the next day
for the reading of the Will Ruby and Trent
can't believe what Sandy has done. How could she have done this. Well written story with strong and believable characters. Can't wait to read more of
this series. joy943

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written book with a great story line. It is a clean romance, which starts after Ruby's friend and mentor dies. She meets Sandy's grandson, Trent, at the funeral. She had never even knew Ruby had a grandson. When the will is read, they find out that she will keep the inn if he does repairs AND they have to marry by July 25th or the inn will be sold to a man who will tear it apart. I liked seeing how Trent and Ruby come to know each other. Will they end up together? The Christmas in July celebration is a nice touch.

[Franki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of finding the joy in the face of loss.
Ruby’s best friend just died, the woman who acted as a mother/grandmother figure in her life.
When Trent comes home for his grandmother’s will is not what he expected.
Ruby and Trent both have trust issues and have been torn down by life. Can Sandy help them find their value, even from the grave?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to a wonderful fun read. I loved reading about Ruby and Trent. The way they deal with loss of Sandy (Trent's granmother and Ruby's boss) was good. Ruby honors Sandy by insisting on still doing christmas in July celebration that Sandy started and Trent helps her get it together. There are some twists and turns to the story that really add interest and kept me reading. I will have to read more in this series.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby and Trent meet at a funeral, and theirs isn't the only odd first meeting in the story. They are really busy and run ragged preparing for the Christmas-in-July event that the town puts on, that is usually single-handedly put together by the recently deceased, by their own grief, and by the insecurities from childhood traumas.
I loved the banter between the main couple, and how they almost instinctively knew how to bolster each other up.

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming & moving
romance. I enjoyed reading it.
Ruby, is heartbroken over the loss
of a very important person in her life.
At the funeral, a bearded mystery
man appears. She is shocked to learn
who Trent is. And how the Sandy's
will is going to change their lives.
The story is a delight from the
beginning to the end!!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, whirlwind, Christmassy (in July!) romance. Two characters coming together after loss for a marriage of convenience. It’s definitely different from the previous books in this series and a bit shorter. I enjoyed these characters finding their way as they banished the demons of their pasts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

She inherited a Bed & Breakfast. He’s the contractor hired to fix up the old building. They can’t stand each other, but they have to get married or lose the Inn.

Trent's and Ruby's story is an emotional read about grief, overcoming it, the pains of love, the dark spots of life and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby's best friend and employer died. A handsome and quarrelsome man shows up at the funeral only to find out its Sandy's, her best friend, grandson (who she never knew about), Trent. The will is read; the inn is left to Ruby but only if Trent marries her but Christmas in July or it goes to Trent's biggest contractor rival. What will they do?
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it.

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebook

Her mentor and best friend has passed, what will she do? Her grandson shows up, and when the Will is read they are both shocked. Get married by the 25th or lose the Inn and everything held dear. It’s outrageous but they are attracted to each other, did her wish mean they should be together?

[Denyse Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is the first one I have read written by Ellie Hall.
Trent and Ruby didn’t know each other. But Ruby was helping Sandy run a bed and breakfast. When Sandy died things took an unexpected turn for Ruby and Trent.
Will they be able to do what her will said…
Great to see both of them had a Christian faith and seeing how it helped them.
A great story.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, contemporary Romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Ruby and Trent’s story was a sweet enemies to more fall.
Seemingly at odds, Trent’s grandmother wills them to marry. As they recognize a growing attraction and possibilities, they open up and discover home with each other.
Sweet lovely romance with a perfect HEA

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great summer read that held my attention throughout the pages with characters being well developed and engaging. The flow of the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Christmas in July celebration in Summer with the Carpenter. I liked learning Trent's background and why he felt so useless. I enjoyed reading about Ruby's family life and why she felt so unlovable. It was great to see them work through their insecurities and fight for each other.

[Marzlie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story that turns out right

Two people both suffered self image problems. Brought together by the reading of a will.
Can not help feeling sorry about what had been so firm!y entrenched, but it all gets corrected to our happy ever after.
Well worth the read.

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kettle bulbs or Kettle balls

This grandmother and friend knew what she was doing. She had a plan, and no one was going to argue with her about it. Soon enough, they would find out she was right, after all!

[Catherine Geist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

The book had a great storyline & was well written.Trent & Ruby made the story fun to read as it kept you wondering until the end what would happen next.A nice clean romance.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Summer with the Carpenter

This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. Ellie is a wonderful writer.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, clean, safe read. It is a story of two insecure people who provide the security each needs as they get to know each other.

[Deb Shank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good read. Clean reading. Fun getting to know characters. Nice reading to relax. Had some twists as is some books, low drama moved quickly with hAppy ending.